Broccoli helps those with cystic fibrosis

PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 18 (UPI) -- Thiocyanate -- an anti-oxidant found in broccoli and cauliflower -- may help those with cystic fibrosis, U.S. researchers found.

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine in Philadelphia said the anti-oxidant helps reduce the damage by inflammatory molecules in lung, nerve, pancreas and vessel-lining cells. The finding may have implications for other inflammation-based diseases besides cystic fibrosis such as diabetes and heart disease, the researchers said.

Using cell-culture studies and a synthesis of known anti-oxidant biochemistry, Dr. Zhe Lu, Dr. Yanping Xu and Szilvia Szep found thiocyanate normally existing in the body protects lung cells from injuries caused by accumulations of hydrogen peroxide and hypochlorite -- potentially harmful chemicals made by the body as a reaction to infection and injury.

In addition, thiocyanate also protects cells from hypochlorite produced in reactions involving MPO, an enzyme released from germ-fighting white blood cells during inflammation.

The findings are published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.